Zimbabwe Stun India in Low-Scoring Thriller

Zimbabwe defeated India by 13 runs in the first T20I match of the series at Harare Sports Club on Saturday. This was India’s first T20I match since their triumph at the T20 World Cup, and it was a disappointing start for the world champions.

Zimbabwe, who had failed to qualify for the T20 World Cup, won the toss and chose to bat first. They struggled to build partnerships and were restricted to 115/9 in their 20 overs. Ravi Bishnoi was the pick of the Indian bowlers, taking 4 wickets for 13 runs. Washington Sundar also chipped in with 2 wickets.

In reply, India’s batting lineup faltered against the Zimbabwean bowlers. They were reduced to 47/6 at one stage, but Washington Sundar (23) and Avesh Khan (10) tried to revive the innings. However, it was too little too late, and India were eventually bowled out for 102 in 19.5 overs.

The Zimbabwean bowlers were on top of their game, with Tendai Chatara and Sikandar Raza taking 2 wickets each. The fielding was also sharp, with a run-out and a catch in the deep highlighting Zimbabwe’s commitment in the field.

This victory will be a huge morale booster for Zimbabwe, who have been struggling in international cricket in recent years. For India, it’s a wake-up call after their T20 World Cup success. They will need to regroup and come back stronger in the remaining matches of the series.

The scores:

Zimbabwe: 115/9 in 20 overs (Raza 34, Madande 24; Bishnoi 4/13, Sundar 2/11)

India: 102 all out in 19.5 overs (Sundar 23, Gill 18; Chatara 2/14, Raza 2/18)

Zimbabwe won by 13 runs.